Machine Operator

Coushatta Forest Products is looking for several Operators to join our new Leadership team and team in Coushatta, Louisiana. Coushatta Forest Products is looking for Sawmill Operators. The Machine Operator plays a critical role in the sawmill process by efficiently operating and maintaining various production machinery to ensure high-quality output. This position requires precision and attention to detail to handle assembly line tasks, operate press machines, and manage overhead cranes safely. The operator will be responsible for setting up, adjusting, and monitoring machines such as mold machines and band saws to meet production specifications. Additionally, the role involves performing routine maintenance, deburring parts, and using measurement tools like micrometers to verify product accuracy. Ultimately, the Machine Operator contributes to the smooth and continuous flow of production while adhering to safety and quality standards.

Responsibilities:

• Monitor material flow, lumber quality, and equipment performance at assigned position(s); identify dimension deviations, surface defects, equipment abnormalities, and production bottlenecks; communicate immediately to the Lead Operator and take corrective action within the authorized scope of the operator role
• Complete thorough pre-shift equipment check on all assigned position(s) before each shift; verify all guards are in place, conveyor and roll systems are properly set, saws and chains are correctly configured, and no foreign objects or abnormal conditions are present
• Coordinate with upstream and downstream operators at adjacent positions to maintain smooth, continuous material flow through the sawmill production line; communicate pace changes, jams, quality issues, and equipment concerns
• Control and adjust machines like edgers, trimmers, head rigs, and sorters following strict production targets
• Check lumber dimensions, inspect for surface defects, and pull off-grade boards immediately
• Adhere strictly to LOTO (lockout/tagout) rules and wear mandatory PPE (steel-toed boots, safety glasses, and hearing protection)
• Clear sawdust and wood debris regularly to prevent hazards and report equipment wear to supervisors

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED
• Proven experience operating industrial machinery in a plant, manufacturing, or production environment
• Basic knowledge of assembly line processes and safety standards
• Ability to read and interpret technical documents and measurement tools
• Physical ability to handle manual tasks and operate heavy equipment safely
• Proven experience in industrial machinery 
• Strong mechanical aptitude and proficiency with hand and power tools

Physical Requirements:

• Performs tasks such as walking, climbing steps/ladders, sitting, and standing for long periods
• Able to bend, stoop, stretch, twist, or reach with body, arms, and legs
• Ability to work outside in all conditions, in and around loud equipment
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. throughout the work shift

Work setting:

• Onsite In-person role (Required)

Hours of Work:

• Various Schedules/Shifts needed including; Night/Days/weekends and occasional overtime as needed

Benefits:

• Medical and Prescription Insurance 
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance 
• Short Term Disability 
• Long Term Disability 
• Health insurance
• Supplemental Life insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Life and Accidental Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program(EAP)
• 401K W/Company Match
• Paid time off(PTO)

Work Environment Manufacturing Plant Physical Demands:

• Outside Sawmill/Plant Location. Noise levels are moderate to high/low depending on the area of the mill and production 

Reasonable Accommodations Statement:

To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.